Martin Lawrence backs ‘Africa’

Star to produce, possibly topline comedy

Alcon Entertainment has acquired “Back to Africa,” a pitch that will be drafted as a potential star vehicle for Martin Lawrence.

Lawrence, who has a first-look deal with Alcon partners Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove, hatched the pitch and will produce the film via his Runteldat Entertainment banner alongside the Alcon duo. Nicole Rocklin is also producing.

The comedy centers on a working-class man from Queens who discovers he is heir to the throne of an African country and travels there to claim his birthright.

Warner Bros.-based Alcon is in production on the Denzel Washington starrer “Book of Eli.”

Lawrence, most recently seen in “College Road Trip,” is expected to reprise his role in a “Wild Hogs” sequel that Disney is prepping.